Change can be hard—especially when you’re not sure if you’re ready for it. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a type of therapy that helps people explore their own reasons for change instead of being told what to do. At Hickory Grove Recovery, our therapists use MI to help clients find motivation, build confidence, and take the next step toward recovery.
Motivational interviewing was first developed by psychologists Dr. William R. Miller and Dr. Stephen Rollnick. Today, it’s recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the American Psychological Association (APA) as an effective, research-backed method for treating addiction and mental health concerns.
What is motivational interviewing?
Motivational interviewing is a counseling approach that helps people talk through mixed feelings about change. Instead of focusing on what’s “wrong,” MI focuses on your strengths, values, and goals.
At Hickory Grove Recovery, our therapists use MI to:
- · Build trust and connection early in treatment
- · Help clients identify personal goals for recovery
- · Reduce resistance or fear about change
- · Strengthen motivation for long-term progress
It’s a supportive, non-judgmental process where you remain in control of your choices.
How motivational interviewing works
Motivational interviewing is built on three main ideas: the spirit of the approach, the four processes, and a set of communication tools called OARS.
The spirit of MI: Working together
MI works because it’s based on partnership, respect, and compassion. Your therapist isn’t there to lecture or pressure you—they’re there to listen and help you uncover your own motivation.
The MI spirit includes:
- Partnership: Working together instead of being told what to do.
- Acceptance: Understanding your experiences without judgment.
- Compassion: Putting your goals first.
- Evocation: Drawing out your personal reasons for change.
The four steps: How MI sessions flow
- Engage: Build trust and talk about what matters most to you.
- Focus: Identify specific goals or areas you want to work on.
- Evoke: Talk through your reasons for wanting change.
- Plan: Create a realistic plan for what comes next.
OARS: Key communication skills
Therapists use these core MI tools in every session:
- Open questions: Encourage you to explore your thoughts (“What would be different if you stopped using?”).
- Affirmations: Highlight your strengths (“You’ve already taken the first step by being here.”).
- Reflections: Show understanding and empathy.
- Summaries: Pull key ideas together and confirm next steps.
Building motivation for change
People often come to treatment unsure if they’re ready to change. MI helps you explore both sides of that feeling—why change might be difficult, but also what could improve if you did.
For example:
Client: “I want to stop using, but I’m scared I’ll fail.”
Therapist: “You want to stop because it’s hurting you, but you’re afraid of what might happen next. That’s understandable. Let’s talk about what support could make that easier.”
These open, empathetic conversations reduce defensiveness and create real momentum for recovery.
Motivational interviewing and stages of change
MI works well with the “stages of change” model, which explains how people move from uncertainty to action.
At Hickory Grove Recovery, we adjust our approach depending on your stage:
- Not ready yet (precontemplation): We focus on building trust and awareness.
- Thinking about change (contemplation): We explore pros and cons honestly.
- Getting ready (preparation): We help you set small, achievable goals.
- Taking action: We provide tools and encouragement to stay on track.
- Maintaining progress: We strengthen coping skills to prevent relapse.
Why motivational interviewing works
Motivational interviewing has been proven effective for addiction, mental health, and lifestyle changes. Studies show it improves engagement in treatment and increases success rates for people in recovery.
Some of the main benefits include:
- Better motivation and readiness to change
- Higher completion rates for treatment programs
- Lower relapse rates for substance use disorders
- Reduced anxiety and improved confidence
Research from SAMHSA and the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology supports MI as one of the most effective approaches for early recovery and relapse prevention.
MI vs CBT and other therapies
| Therapy Type | Focus | When It’s Used |
| Motivational Interviewing (MI) | Builds motivation and readiness for change | Early recovery or when someone feels uncertain about treatment |
| Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) | Changes negative thought and behavior patterns | Later recovery, relapse prevention |
| Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) | Improves emotion regulation and communication | For clients with strong emotions or mood disorders |
At Hickory Grove Recovery, MI is often the first step that helps clients open up and prepare for deeper work through CBT, DBT, or trauma therapy.
Who benefits from motivational interviewing
Motivational interviewing is effective for:
- People struggling with addiction to substances like alcohol, opioids, or stimulants
- Clients with co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety
- Adolescents and young adults who are resistant to treatment
- Families and caregivers supporting a loved one through recovery
Because MI focuses on collaboration and empathy, it’s adaptable for nearly anyone who feels stuck, uncertain, or unmotivated.
MI at Hickory Grove Recovery
At Hickory Grove Recovery, motivational interviewing is used throughout our programs to help clients engage fully in treatment.
You’ll experience MI in:
- Individual therapy: Exploring your goals and challenges with a licensed therapist.
- Group therapy: Encouraging open discussion and shared progress.
- Family sessions: Helping families support recovery through positive communication.
Our goal is to help you find the confidence and direction needed to take meaningful steps toward recovery.
What to expect in motivational interviewing sessions
Each MI session is guided by compassion, curiosity, and collaboration. You can expect to:
- Talk about your goals and what matters most to you
- Explore both your reasons to change and your hesitations
- Build realistic plans for small, positive steps forward
There’s no judgment or pressure—just a supportive environment to help you move at your own pace.
Training and qualifications
All MI sessions at Hickory Grove Recovery are led by licensed therapists trained in evidence-based care. Clinicians complete ongoing education and supervision based on standards from the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) to ensure high-quality, consistent care.
Our team also integrates MI principles into other therapies like CBT, ACT, and trauma-informed counseling for a comprehensive treatment experience.
FAQs: Motivational interviewing
MI helps people who feel uncertain about change explore their feelings, goals, and values. It’s especially helpful for addiction, mental health, and lifestyle changes.
MI can be brief—sometimes just a few sessions—but many clients benefit from ongoing use during detox, residential care, and aftercare.
Yes. MI works best when combined with therapies like CBT or DBT that provide skills for managing stress, emotions, and triggers.
Yes. Research shows that MI increases engagement, improves treatment success, and reduces relapse rates when used by trained clinicians.
You can speak with our admissions team anytime to learn more. We’ll help you understand how MI fits into your overall treatment plan and get you started with a licensed therapist.
Get started with motivational interviewing
If you’re unsure about recovery or what comes next, motivational interviewing can help you find your footing.
At Hickory Grove Recovery, we’ll meet you where you are—helping you uncover your own motivation for change in a safe, supportive environment.
Call our admissions team at 501.509.5143 or contact us online to learn more about motivational interviewing and begin your path toward lasting recovery today.
